Preamble

These GALLATIN VALLEY MEN’S ADULT BASEBALL (“GVMABL”) RULES AND REGULATIONS (“Rules”) have been adopted by the Board of Directors (“BOD” or “Board”) and Official Team Managers (“Managers”) in order to preserve and to produce the fairness and similarity of conditions necessary for effective competition among the League Teams and its Players. These Rules shall be published to all League Members, Umpires and posted on the League Website for reference purposes.

Rule 1: Rules and Regulations

Rule 1.01 - Official Game Rules

The members of the League shall contend annually for the Championship of the League. All Official League games and Playoff games shall be played and scored under the Major League Official Baseball Rules - 2015 Edition (most current as of this date), as may be modified or amended by these Rules and Regulations.

The League may adopt and/or modify playing rules under the Major League Official Baseball Rules and these Rules and Regulations, which may be permanent, temporary, or experimental as directed by the Board. Any modifications and/or additions that take place during the Course of the Official Season/Postseason will be added as an Amendment and will be temporary until they are officially voted and adopted by the Board and Managers during the Offseason.

Rule 1.02 - Executive Director/Directors of Board

Responsibility of dissemination, interpretation, and enforcement of these Rules and Regulations shall be with the Executive Director (“President”) of the League. In the absence of an Executive Director, a Director of the Board shall serve in place of the Executive Director. In the event of absence of the President, a Director shall serve in place of the President.

Enforcement from Executive Director/Board

If action is required for a game in play, and the President unable to attend to the situation at hand, a Director who is currently not participating in said game shall serve in the President’s absence.

Enforcement from participating Board Member

In the event that a Director not currently participating in the game at play is available, any and all board members shall deliberate together to determine the appropriate course of action.

Enforcement of Rules for Game Play

Ultimate authority for enforcement of the Rules during field of play is the responsibility of the Umpires. At no point will the Board of Directors influence or alter the Umpires decisions during the game at play, unless request for consultation is requested by said Umpire. Interpretation of the rules can be discussed following the game in order to make alterations to how rules are enforced.

Modifying Rules

Authority for approving or modifying GVMABL League Rules and Regulations shall be the responsibility of the Board of Directors.

Rule 2: League Season and Playoff

Rule 2.01 - Adoption of Schedule

Official Schedule

The Executive Director shall prepare, or have prepared a written schedule or schedules for each Date of Tryouts, Regular Season, and Playoffs Dates and submitted to the BOD and Managers prior to the Annual Managers Meeting before the start of the season. Schedules are subject to delay in the event that confirmation on field rentals are still prevailing. The Official Schedule shall specify the date, start times and location of each game and of each series of games. Every game played between Clubs from the commencement to the conclusion of the Official Season shall be an Official Game. A majority vote of the directors shall be required prior to the Annual Managers meeting. Alterations to the Schedule shall be presented during the or before the Managers meeting and will require a secondary majority vote from the Managers.

Game Changes

After the Official Schedule is adopted and prior to the start of the the Official Season, no date shall be changed except for conflicts outside of the League’s control and will be approved by the Executive Director, who shall notify all teams of such changes.

Rule 2.02 - Open Dates

The GVMABL League Champion shall be the team that wins the postseason playoffs. They will gain possession of the Playoff Championship Trophy for one year and will return it before the following season’s postseason playoff.

Rule 2.03 - Regular Season & Playoff Format

Unless otherwise approved by the Board, each Official Season will consist of a 20-game Season. The Official Season shall be completed in full unless otherwise noted in this document. First round of playoffs shall be ranked based on winning percentage. Playoff Tie breaker procedures are set forth in APPENDIX A.

The Playoff format will consist of a double elimination bracket. Home team will go to the team that has the higher regular season winning percentage with the exception of the Championship Series. The Home Team of first round of the Championship Series will go to the Team from the Winners Bracket. In the event of a second Championship Game, the Home team will be determined based on Regular Season winning percentage. The Playoff Format is subject to change if unseen circumstance impact the ability to complete the existing format and will be determined by the Executive Director.

Rule 3: Players and Rosters

Rule 3.01 - Player Eligibility in Official Season/Postseason Play

The following rules have been adopted in order to promote fairness, transparency, and keen competition during the Official Season and during postseason play.

NOTE: In general, Players who are with a Team or have played with that Team during the season are eligible to return for the postseason, subject to certain limitations as listed below.

Player Eligibility

A Player is eligible to participate in an official league sanctioned game on the date following their 21st birthday. No Player shall be allowed to participate on the field if they are under the age of 18. If a Player who is 18 or over, but not yet 21 they must specifically notify and be given approval by the Executive Director only.

New Players

The league shall control the assignment to teams of all new Players who have contacted the league in response to advertising or who have been referred to the league by any means. A Player who has not played in any league game in either the current or previous year shall be regarded as a new Player. A new Player acquired by a team through that team’s own recruiting efforts shall be subject to the control of the team and not the league.

Player Waivers

All Players, prior to participating in a game, must have signed a waiver form through the league’s website.

Changing Teams

No Player may switch teams without the consent of both Managers and the Executive Director. If this does not meet with approval, the Player must first enter into free agency draft. In the event a team disbands during the season or at season’s conclusion, all Players with will become automatic free agents and will be permitted to play for any desired team with the approval of said Team’s Manager. Any Player that does not have a desired team or approval from a Team’s Manager shall entire into the free agent draft.

Forming a New Team

In the event a Player wishes to leave his existing team and form a new team, he may do so. No other Player can be taken from the existing team without the consent of the existing Team’s Manager. No other Players may be taken from any other team without the respective team Manager’s approval. In the event that a Team Manager does not give approval to leave their respective team, the Player must first enter into free agency draft.

Postseason Eligibility

A Player may not enter into a Team’s Postseason Roster without completing a minimum of 54 innings or 5 complete games with that team. Players may not play for multiple teams during Postseason play, and may only play for the respective team. If a Team uses any ineligible Player during postseason play, the opposing team may play under protest and submit a review of said team’s Roster to the Executive Director. The Board will review the potential violation and if that team is found in violation will forfeit that game regardless of the final score.

Rule 3.02 - New Player and Free Agent Draft

New Player Draft

Any New Player that wishes to join the league prior to the start of the Official Season will participate in a Player Draft. The Draft will consist of a tryouts for each individual Player to demonstrate their offensive and defensive skills. Following the tryout season each Player who enters into the Draft will be placed on a team. The draft order will be based on the previous Regular Season standings, starting from last placed team to the first place team. A team has the option to waive their draft pick and will be replaced by the following team.

Free Agent Draft

A Free Agent Draft will occur any time throughout the Official Season in effort to place New Players, or Free Agents on teams. The draft order will for Free Agency will be determined based on each individual Teams Roster, and will require approval from the Executive Director prior to team placement.

Rule 4: Managers

Rule 4.01 - Manager Responsibilities

Team Fees

The Manager shall assume all responsibilities to collect the full team fees for their respected teams. Half of the team fees shall be submitted to the league prior to the start of the first game of the season. The second half shall be due prior to each individual teams second game. Failure to collect and submit payments to the league will result in a forfeit of all games until payment has been submitted in full.

Team Rosters

Team Rosters shall be up-to-date at all times through the course of the Official Season. Rosters will be maintained through the league’s website. If a Player previously on the roster moves to a different team or is no longer associated with the league, they shall be removed from the Roster list. All Manager’s will be provided with Admin controls in order to update their Team’s roster. In the event that they would prefer to designate another Player on their team, a request shall be submitted to the Executive Director with the individual’s full name and email address.

Managers Meeting

All Managers will be required to attend the yearly Managers Meeting Prior to the start of the season. Each Manager shall make all attempts to attend this meeting. In the event that an individual is unable to attend, the Manager shall designate a replacement from their respective team. It is the responsibility of the Manager to communicate with the designated person in order to understand all communication that has been disseminated during the course of that meeting.

Official Season Communication

During the course of the Official Season any and all communication from the Executive Director and Board shall be directly communicated to each Team’s Manager. That information shall then been disseminated throughout the Players. It is the Manager’s responsibility to ensure that any and all topics are fully understood by each Player and the Manager shall be held responsible in the event that a Player was not made fully aware of any information that would be impactful to the Player.

Practices

The Manager for each Team shall be responsible to organize and schedule practices for their individual teams. Practices are not required by these Rules and Regulations and it is up to the Manager’s discretion on often and when to have practices.

Rule 4.02 - Manager Misconduct

The Executive Director shall have the authority to suspend and/or discipline all Managers, Coaches, and any other on-field personnel whose conduct, in this judgment is unprofessional or not in the best interest of their respected Team and the GVMABL. In the event that the Manager’s conduct has resulted in a substantial loss in Players or majority divide between the Manager and Players, the Executive Director shall have the authority to terminate the existing Manager and appoint a replacement. Unless otherwise noted, the terminated Manager shall be allowed to remain on the team or enter into a Free Agency.

Rule 5: Umpires

Rule 5.01 - Providing Umpires

The Executive Director shall be responsible for providing for the services of umpires for all Championship Games and playoffs of the League. Prior to the start of each Championship Season, the Board of Directors shall review and approve the plan for providing umpire services, including costs, umpire names, plans for travel and/or per diem (if required), and plans for replacement and substitute umpires.

Rule 5.02 - Rules Meeting

Each year, prior to the opening of the season, the Executive Director shall hold a rules interpretation meeting with the League umpires, Managers and appropriate Club personnel. The Executive Director shall prepare copies of the rules interpretations and special instructions to the participants. There shall be every effort made for the Executive Director to host a meeting or conference call at the Mid Season break to review and refresh the rules with all Umpires, Managers and Teams.

Rule 5.03 - Authority for Ejections

Dispute from Player

Any Player in uniform, other than the Manager, leaving his position to dispute with the umpire may be warned for the first offense. Before an umpire can expel a Player from a game for such offense he must notify the Manager that such action will be taken, unless the offense in the judgment of the umpire warrants immediate removal of such offender.

Verbal Abuse

No Player or Manager shall verbally abuse an umpire from field or the bench. For so doing, the individual may be suspended at minimum for 1 game and up to the remainder of the Official Season, and will be up to discretion of the Executive Director.

Manager Questioning Calls

The Manager may question the decision of an umpire only when such question related to the playing rules and not to the judgment of the umpire on plays. Enforcement of this rule is mandatory.

Ejection of a Manager

Before an umpire can eject a Manager from the game, he must first warn him, and upon disregard of the warning the Manager may be ejected from the game. If in the judgment of the umpire the action of the Manager warrants immediate removal from the game the required warning may be waived.

Rule 5.04 - Profane and Obscene Language

Any Player, Manager or Umpire using profane or obscene language in the ballpark, audible to the spectators, may be suspended by the Executive Director at his discretion, and shall be immediately removed from the playing field and not permitted to participate in any championship game, pending the Executive Director’s decision while under suspension. Any Player or Manager using profane or obscene language directed at an umpire, before, during or after a Championship Game shall be removed from the game.

Rule 5.05 - Return by Ejected Player/Manager or Refusal to Finish Game

In cases where a Player or Manager is removed by an umpire from the first game of a double header, the Player or Manager shall be eligible to return for the second game of a doubleheader, and in the case of a Player or Manager removed by an umpire in a morning game, the Player or Manager shall be eligible to compete in the afternoon game played on the same day. The same rule applies where removal is from an afternoon game; such Player or Manager may compete in the night game, if both games are played on the same date. Should any Team refuse to finish a game once started because of dissatisfaction with any ruling or rulings of the umpire, or any cause whatsoever, or any club owner or Manager who refuses to allow a legally appointed umpire to officiate in a game or games to which he has been assigned by the Executive Director or which is scheduled to be played, said Team shall forfeit the game to the opposing team and in addition shall be subject to such other suspensions and sanctions as may be imposed by the Executive Director.

Rule 5.06 - Reporting Violations

All violations of the Rules and expulsions shall be reported immediately following the game to the Executive Director by the Umpire. Upon receipt of such notice, the Executive Director shall assess and take such other action as the facts warrant.

Rule 5.07 - Assault on Umpires

Any Player or Manager guilty of assaulting an umpire during the Championship Season shall be disciplined at the discretion of the Executive Director and is subject to a possible indefinite ban from the league. Additionally the individual may be subjected to legal charges at the Umpires discretion, and accordance with the law.

Rule 6: Fees and Financial Responsibilities

Rule 6.01 - Team Fees

The GVMABL operates under a per Team fee concepts. The Team fee, is to be pay in full by the start of each Team’s second game with one half of the Team fee due before the start of the first game of the Official Season. The Team fees will be set each year by the Board of Directors and will be determined based on the budget for the upcoming Official Season and Postseason play.

Rule 6.02 - Applied Costs from Team Fees

The below items will be used to determine each Team’s fees for the upcoming season:

Insurance and Liability costs

Association Fees

Field Rentals

Baseballs

Umpire Costs

Website Costs

League Operating Costs

Field Maintenance Costs

Advertising and

Any additional expenses accrued for the completion of the Official Season/Postseason

Rule 6.03 - Team Equipment Expenses

Uniforms

All Uniforms including pants, socks, belts, Jerseys, hats or any additional Uniform components will not be direct item covered on the minimum team fees due by the start of the Official Season. If a Manager deems necessary, he may increase the per player portion of the Team fees in order to cover any Uniform expense for the Official Season.

Helmets/Catcher’s Gear

Helmets and Catchers Gear shall be provided to each individual team upon a request for approval to the Executive Director and Board of Directors. The Board will assume all teams have adequate helmets until a request has been submitted to the Executive Director and approved by the Board. A request shall include the existing count of gear currently in good working order, the number and detailed description of what items are being requested and color and sizing requests. Once, approved the Executive Director will coordinate with the Team’s Manager to find an affordable and suitable replacement of gear.

It is encouraged that each Team seek out additional funding through per player fees and sponsorships to offset the costs of Helmets and Catcher’s Gear for each season. If a Team is interested in seeking sponsorships, they can request support of the Executive Director in order help to locate and finalize any details related to potential sponsors.

Practice Baseballs

Practice Baseballs will not be provided by the League and will be the responsibility of each individual to provide. Game balls may be converted into practice balls only after reasonable scuffs, dents or other damage has been accrued through use during Official Games. Please use appropriate discretion when deciding to recycle game balls for practice use.

Bats

All baseball Bats will be up to each individual Player to provide. If the Board has appropriated funds they may wish to allocate said funds to provide each team with designated Team Bats.

Additional Safety Equipment

Any and all additional safety equipment shall be the responsibility of the individual player and/or team to provide. A team may submit a request for help in offsetting the costs of said equipment to the league, but will be subject to review and will not be a required fulfilment to the Team.

Collecting of Additional Team Fees or Per Player Costs

Each Team has the ability to increase the total Team fees and or per Player costs in an effort to provide funds for covering the costs of Team equipment and expenses. All funds acquired through Team fees or per Player costs shall be submitted to the League and will be redistributed upon request.

Receiving of Additional Funds from Sponsorships and/or Per Player Costs

In order to keep accurate track of donations provide to the League which are dedicated for a specific teams. All monetary donations must be paid and issued through the League. This is mandated in order to keep track of financial income and costs designated for the League’s nonprofit Government status and to ensure proper allocations of funds. If any team associates sponsorships for nonprofit donation these rules must be followed, and may only be adjusted with approval by the Executive Director.

Rule 7: General Regulations for All Games

Rule 7.01 - Lineups

Minimum Number of Players

A team must have 7 players from their Roster for an official game and may borrow 1 or 2 players from an opposing team with the opposing manager’s consent or may borrow a player from another team, also with the opposing manager’s consent. If the team’s 8th or 9th player arrives after the start of the game, the borrowed player reverts back to his team. All borrowed player must bat last in the lineup and will not be allowed to pitch at any point throughout the game.

Extra Hitter

A team manager may bat as many players as he desires, with a minimum of 8. Batters cannot be deleted or skipped over, regardless of their batting position or when they were added during the game. If a team has only 8 batters, they will be assessed an out each time the 9th batting position is skipped. Batting only 8 players is NOT a protestable offense.

Completion of Lineup Card

Lineup Cards must be submitted to the opposing team prior the home team taking the field.

All teams must announce all offensive additions, substitutions, and/or changes to the home plate umpire AND opposing team manager and/or scorekeeper. Only after this has been done will the added player be deemed a legal substitution.

If a team fails to announce an offensive addition/change, the player will be called out as soon as he occupies the batter’s box and the lineup will revert back to the lineup in effect prior to the player entering the game. The unannounced player will not have officially entered the offensive lineup and is therefore still available offensively even though an out has been assessed.

Example: Team A is batting 12 players and wishes to add a player to the bottom of the lineup (Player 13). Player 13 walks to the plate and is not announced to either the opposing team or home plate umpire. Once this player occupies his position in the batter’s box, the umpire will immediately call him out for an illegal substitution and it will then go back to the number 1 position in the lineup. Player 13 is still available to be added to the lineup legally.

Substitutions

All players may be substituted for defensively, at any time, without affecting the players offensive status in the line-up. If the pitcher is removed, he may re-enter to pitch only one time during the course of the game, but not in the same inning. The removed pitcher may play any other position after being removed or no position at all.

Rule 7.02 - Uniforms, Helmets, Baseballs and Equipment

Uniforms

All teams must have full baseball uniforms consisting of caps, numbered baseball jerseys, baseball pants, belt, sanitary socks and stirrups - each player’s uniform must be of similar design to his teammates uniforms. Teams having sponsorship will be allowed the sponsors name on their uniforms via patch or uniform shirt.

Uniform Grace Period

All teams should have their uniforms by their first game. A grace period should be extended for newly activated players or for new teams to complete their uniforms.

Use of Helmets

All batters and runners must wear helmets with at least one earflap facing the pitcher for both at bats and on base. There is no option to this rule. Full double-ear flap helmets are encouraged for at bats and are encouraged for the bases. Catchers must wear a helmet underneath their mask.

Baseballs

All Teams will be provided with 2 dozen baseballs at the start of the Season. Teams must notify the Executive Director to request additional baseballs. All Baseballs used during the Official Season and Postseason play must be balls provided by the league. Unless otherwise approved by the Executive Director no other baseballs shall be used.

Bats

Only Wood Bats are allowed and will be permitted for all tournaments. No bats exceeding 36" in length and/or a 2 5/8" diameter are permitted. Composite bats are permissible, but must be made of wood material. Upon protest, the penalty for using an illegal bat will be an out for the violating player.

Metal Cleats

Metal cleats are permitted.

Rule 7.03 - Game Lengths

Regulation Play

All Official Season and Postseason Games will be subject to Completion if meet by any of the rules outlined section 7.04, 7.05, 7.06 or 7.07 and 5 full innings of play have been completed.

Individual Game

Individual Games will be a full 9 innings of play Regulation Play. In the event of a Team having a previous game on that day, they will be allowed to change the number of innings to 7 and must communicate this to the opposing Team’s Manager and Home Plate Umpire prior to the start of the First Pitch. Failure to do so will void any contest of the number of innings to be played and the game will be set at 9.

Doubleheaders

Double Headers will be either 7 innings, 9 innings or a combination of the two of Regulation Play. The default number of innings will be set to 9 innings for both games. Prior to the start of the first game of the Doubleheader both Managers shall meet and come to an agreement on the length of play for both games. Changes to the second game of a doubleheader will not be permitted after the start of the the first game. A request can be made to the opposing team’s Manager, but may only be change upon their approval.

Speed of Play

All Games will be played in a 3 hour time slot. If a game extends beyond the 3 hour time slot, the end of the current inning will be the end of the game. It is the Umpires duty to inform both Teams once the 3 hour time slot has passed and to enforce the end of the game. This rule can be waived if all following events have been meet:

No other game is scheduled following the completion of said game.

Use of any lights will be required in order to complete said game.

There is enough reasonable daylight left to complete the game and following innings will not potentially impede into the sunset hour.

Both Team’s Managers and all Umpires agree to extend the game.

Postseason Games

All Postseason Games will be 9 innings of Regulation Play. A 3 hour time slot will be designated for each game, but may extended passed the 3 hour time slot if required. All subsequent Games will be adjusted accordingly following the completion of the game. A minimum of a half hour will be set in between game times, in order for new Team’s to establish their dugout and warm up.

Rule 7.04 - Run Rules

Mercy rules will be applied to all games during the Official Season and Postseason play. The game will end and be deemed complete when any of the below mercy rules have ensued:

A 15 run difference and at least 5 innings of play have completed.

A 10 run difference and at least 7 innings of play have completed.

Rule 7.05 - Rainouts, Darkness and Time limit

During the Game

Any games called because of rain, Darkness or Time limit and have not completed 5 innings of play will be allowed to be made up at a later date. This includes any Official Season Game and Postseason Game.

During Postseason Play

If a game is called during the Postseason the Executive Director will be responsible for rescheduling the game to a different time.

Rainouts Prior to Start of a Game

In the event of rain, it is the responsibility of the scheduled home team to notify the umpires and opposing team of field conditions and possible cancellation of game, at least 1 hour before scheduled game time. In the event such notification does not take place, the home team solely will be responsible for any travel fees imposed by the umpiring organization.

Decision to Call a Game

The decision as to whether the games will be postponed due to weather, darkness or time limits will be decided by the Executive Director of the League and/or the umpires in participating in said game. Umpires should use best judgement on determining if a game should be called. In the event of lightning the Umpire should be notified immediately and action should take place.

Rain Delays

Rain delays will be allowed if the weather appears adequate, the field is in proper shape to continue play, and continue the game won’t impede on any rules related to the Length of Play.

Rule 7.06 - Tied and Called Games

The GVMABL does not believe in ties. All efforts shall be made will full cooperation from the Executive Director and Board to reschedule any games that have ended in a tie. If a game is currently tied and comes into conflict with any Rules and Regulation, the game shall follow Rule 7.07 procedures.

Rule 7.07 - Postponed Games

All postponed games with the exception of Postseason play will not be re-scheduled by the league, but may be made up at any time not conflicting with previously scheduled games. All postponed games must be agreed to by both managers and notification to the Executive Director must take place. Postponed games must be made up in order of cancellations.

During Postseason play the Executive Director will handle all details for determining and notify appropriate parties for rescheduling of a Postponed game.

Rule 7.08 - Forfeited Games

All forfeited Games will not be rescheduled. The will game will be scored 1 to 0 in favor of the opposing team and no stats shall be submitted into the online scorebooks.

Rule 7.09 - Reporting Scores/Stats

All game scores and Stats shall be submitted through the League’s website. If a Manager is unable to enter in stats or would like to appoint a Player to enter in Stats, a request must be submitted to the Executive Director in order to open up permissions for said Player.

Rule 7.10 - Post Game Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of the both teams to ensure that the field and dugouts have been left in a better condition than prior to the start of the game. The Managers from each team have the ultimate responsibility to ensure that the below items have been completed prior to completion of a game during the Official Season and Playoffs. It is advised that both Managers meet after the completion of the game and divide duties to ensure all cleanup items have been completed and facilities are secured.

Field Prep

Rake dirt into sliding areas for each base to ensure a level infield.

Drag entire infield with the exception of the 1st and 3rd base lines.

If possible pull each base and insert plugs.

Make sure to drag at least 12 inches away from the grass line to avoid building up a lip around the edge of the infield.

Alternate drag patterns. This will prevent high and low areas.

If possible hose down infield to prevent for dirt blowing around.

Hand Rake baseline.

Never rake across the baseline. This tends to pull material to the edges of the baseline creating high places and lips on the edges.

Rake lengthwise from home towards first and third.

Rake dirt into depressions in the home plate area. (both batters boxes and catchers box)

If possible use water and a tamp to allow for the dirt to pack down after it dries.

Rake mound, filling in landing hole and hole in front of the pitcher’s rubber.

If possible use water and a tamp to allow for the dirt to pack down after it dries.

Dugouts

Players for each team need to pick up and dispose of the trash in their respective dugouts. If trash cans are full, they need to be empty into a dumpster prior to the team leaving.

Equipment and Sheds

All Rakes, hoses, drags and any other equipment needs to be returned back to the shed prior to use.

All must be locked before leaving the field.

Rule 8: Miscellaneous Rules

Rule 8.01 - Containers in the Ballpark

Alcoholic Beverages in the home and visiting dugouts or any area inside of the ballpark areas shall not be provided by Teams.

Rule 8.02 - Mechanical Devices Prohibited

Any mechanical devices that enhances the Player’s ability to compete at a higher level shall be prohibited from us during games of the Official Season and Postseason play.

Rule 8.03 - Bat Boys/Girls

Bat Boys/Girls shall not be allowed in the dugout during the Official Season and Postseason play unless the follow criteria has been meet:

Approval of the Team’s Manager has given consent to the Executive Director.

An insurance liability form has been signed and date by the individual's Legal Guardian.

Explicit permission has been given only by the Executive Director.

All Bat Boys/Girls must wear a double ear flap helmets while they are on the field or in the dugout.

Rule 8.04 - Non-Players accessing Fields and Dugouts

Any individual who is not a Player, Manager, Coach or Umpire shall not be permitted in the dugouts or on the Field during the play of game. A bat boy/girl shall be allowed if the have followed the rules outlined Rule 8.03. Additionally, if approved by all Player and Managers a Scorekeeping who is above the age of 18 may be allowed into the dugout. If any player has a conflict with this, the Manager shall request that the Scorekeeper be refrained from using the dugout, unless to get clarification for scoring an individual play.

Rule 9: Code of Conduct

Rule 9.01 - Misconduct

Managers and Players shall conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner at all times. No Manager or Player shall commit the following:

Physical Contact Towards an Umpire

Lay a hand upon, shove or strike, or threaten an official. Players and Managers guilty of such conduct shall be immediately suspended from further participation in the game and shall remain suspended until his conduct is reviewed by the board of directors. Players and Managers guilty of such conduct shall be subject to suspension for the remainder of the season or expulsion from the league for life.

Refuse to abide by an official’s decision

Players guilty of such conduct shall be immediately suspended from further participation in the game. Players guilty of such conduct shall be subject to probation or suspension for the remainder of the season.

Inappropriate Demonstrations towards Umpires

Be guilty of objectionable demonstrations of dissent at an official’s decision. Players and Managers guilty of such conduct shall be subject to suspension from further participation in the game.

Rough Tactics

Use unnecessarily rough tactics in the play of the game against the body or person of an opposing Player. Players guilty of such conduct shall be immediately suspended from further participation in the game and shall be subject to probation or suspension for the remainder of the season.

Physical Attack towards Managers, Officials, Players or Fans

Be guilty of physical attack as an aggressor upon any Player, Manager, official, or spectator, before, during, or after a game. Players guilty of such conduct shall be immediately suspended from further participation in the game and shall remain suspended until their conduct is reviewed by the board of directors. Players guilty of such conduct shall be subject to suspension for the remainder of the season or expulsion from the league for life.

Verbal Abuse

Be guilty of verbal abusive attack upon any Player, Manager, official, or spectator, before, during, or after a game. Players guilty of such conduct shall be immediately suspended from further participation in the game and shall remain suspended until their conduct is reviewed by the board of directors. Players guilty of such conduct shall be subject to suspension for the remainder of the season.

Use of Illegal Drugs

Illegal drugs during the game or be upon the field of play at any time in an intoxicated condition. Players guilty of such conduct shall be immediately suspended from further participation in the game and shall be subject to probation or suspension for the remainder of the season.

Smoking on the Field

Smoking on the field of play or in the dugout. Players guilty of such conduct shall be immediately suspended from further participation in the game.

Rule 9.02 - Intoxications

Any Player, Manager, Team or Umpire, improperly conducting himself in public by intoxication, fighting, gambling, indecency or other disreputable or criminal conduct, whether on or off the field, prejudicial to the good repute or welfare of professional baseball or this League may be suspended to declared ineligible, as the Executive Director of the League or Board of Directors may deem proper.

Rule 9.03 - Public Address

Players, Managers, Board Members may not engage in the following conduct with respect to the use of Social Media or any other forms of address:

Displaying or transmitting Content via Social Media or any other form of Public Address that reasonably could be construed as an official public communication of the GVMABL without obtaining proper authorization from the Executive Director.

Using an GVMABL’s logo, mark, or written, photographic, video or audio property without obtaining proper authorization from the Executive Director..

Linking to the website of any GVMABL Entity on any Social Media outlet without obtaining proper authorization from the Executive Director.

Displaying or transmitting Content that questions the impartiality of or otherwise denigrates a GVMABL umpire.

Displaying or transmitting Content that is derogatory or insensitive to individuals based on race, color, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or religion, including, but not limited to, slurs, jokes, stereotypes or other inappropriate remarks.

Displaying or transmitting Content that constitutes harassment of an individual or group of individuals, or threatens or advocates the use of violence against an individual or group of individuals.

Displaying or transmitting Content that violates applicable local, state or federal law or regulations.

A member who violates this policy may be subject to discipline for just cause by either his Team or the Executive Director in accordance with Rule 9.05.

Rule 9.04 - Penalties and Suspensions

Determination for Penalty

The board of directors may, by vote of the majority of the directors, suspend any Player or Manager for such a period and upon such terms as it may propose, for the conduct within its opinion is prejudicial to the welfare, interest, reputation, or charter of the league.

Determination of Action

Except as otherwise provided, the Executive Director shall determine the appropriate action required for violations of the Rules and Regulations, and shall report their decision to the Player, Manager and the board of directors.

Violation of Probation

Any Player found in violation of any provision delineated in the codes of conduct, after being placed on probation for the remainder of the season shall be suspended for the remainder of the season.

Violation following Suspension

Any Player found in violation of any provisions delineated in the rules and regulations, after being suspended from further participation in a game shall be suspended for the remainder of the season.

Suspension across Multiple Seasons

Unless otherwise noted by the Executive Director all suspensions shall not carry over to the following year and will be considered completed by either completion of full suspension or the end of the Official Season/Postseason, whichever comes first.

Rule 9.05 - Protests and Appeals

Executive Director’s Jurisdiction

In general the Executive Director shall adjudge all protested or disputed games, and his decision shall be final and non-appealable.

Procedure

The Executive Director shall make his decision on protested games as soon as possible. The Executive Director may not entertain a protested game unless the protesting Manager announces his intention of protesting that game to the Homeplate Umpire at the time of the action on the field. Within 24 hours from the time of the protest on the field, the Team protesting must email the Executive Director with a copy to the opposing Team, of the details of said protest.

Failure to Follow Procedure

If the protesting Team fails to complete the game as directed by the umpire, or email said statement and evidence, as above provided, the protest shall be null and void, and shall not be considered by the Executive Director

Executive Director’s DecisionThe decision of the Executive Director may require that the protested game be replayed on a date fixed by his decision, play beginning with the same Players if possible as at the time of the protest, as to number of innings to be played, number of outs, Players on base, balls and strikes called, etc., or may make such other disposition of the protest as the facts, in the opinion of the Executive Director may warrant.

Suspensions

Suspensions incurred in resolving any dispute, shall be initiate the immediate season.

Appendix A: Amendments to MLB Rules

Applicable Rules

Contradicting Rules

In the event of a rule that conflicts with the rules outlined in these Rules and Regulations the GVMABL rule will override the rules outlined in the MLB Rulebook.

Instant Replay

Any reference to Instant Replay in the MLB Rulebook will not be used to make or overrule any call.

Penalties and Suspensions

Any monetary penalties indicated in the MLB Rulebook will be voided and replaced with the penalties and suspensions outlined in these Rules and Regulations. In the event that of conflicting penalties and/or suspensions the GVMABL Rules and Regulations will be used to determine appropriate action.

Home Plate Collision Rule

The GVMABL hereby adopts the provisions of proposed Major League Baseball's Rule 7.13, collisions at home plate:

Runner

A runner attempting to score may not deviate from his direct pathway to the plate in order to initiate contact with the catcher (or other Player covering home plate). If, in the judgment of the Umpire, a runner attempting to score initiates contact with the catcher (or other Player covering home plate) in such a manner, the Umpire shall declare the runner out (even if the Player covering home plate loses possession of the ball). In such circumstances, the Umpire shall call the ball dead, and all other base runners shall return to the last base touched at the time of the collision. Comment: The failure by the runner to make an effort to touch the plate, the runner's lowering of the shoulder, or the runner's pushing through with his hands, elbows or arms, would support a determination that the runner deviated from the pathway in order to initiate contact with the catcher in violation of this Rule. If the runner slides into the plate in an appropriate manner, he shall not be adjudged to have violated this Rule. A slide shall be deemed appropriate, in the case of a feet first slide, if the runner's buttocks and legs should hit the ground before contact with the catcher. In the case of a headfirst slide, a runner shall be deemed to have slid appropriately if his body should hit the ground before contact with the catcher.

Catcher

Unless the catcher is in possession of the ball, the catcher cannot block the pathway of the runner as he is attempting to score. If, in the judgment of the Umpire, the catcher without possession of the ball blocks the pathway of the runner, the Umpire shall call or signal the runner safe. Notwithstanding the above, it shall not be considered a violation of this Rule if the catcher blocks the pathway of the runner in order to field a throw, and the Umpire determines that the catcher could not have fielded the ball without blocking the pathway of the runner and that contact with the runner was unavoidable.

Force Play Slide Rule

The intent of the force-play-slide rule is to ensure the safety of the defensive Player. This is a safety as well as an interference rule. Whether the defense could have completed the double play has no bearing on the applicability of this rule. This rule pertains to a force-play situation at any base, regardless of the number of outs.

Runner Must Slide

On any force play, the runner must slide on the ground and in a direct line between the two bases.

Exception:

A runner need not slide directly into a base as long as the runner slides or runs in a direction away from the fielder to avoid making contact or altering the play of the fielder.

"On the ground” means either a head-first slide or a slide with one leg and buttock on the ground.

"Directly into a base” means the runner’s entire body (feet, legs, trunk and arms) must stay in a straight line between the bases.

If a runner goes into a base standing up and does not make contact or alter the play of the defensive Player, interference shall not be called.

Legal Contact

Contact with a fielder is legal and interference shall not be called if the runner:

Makes a legal slide directly to the base, or

Is on the ground at the time of contact and the fielder moves directly down the line between the two bases to attempt a play.

Makes a legal slide and makes contact with a defensive Player who is on or over, but not beyond, the base.

When the base runner slides beyond the base, but does not (a) make contact with, or (b) alter the play of the defensive Player, interference shall not be called.

Illegal Interference

Actions by a runner are illegal and interference shall be called if:

The runner slides or runs out of the base line in the direction of the fielder;

The runner uses a rolling, cross-body or pop-up slide and either makes contact with or alters the play of a fielder;

The runner’s raised leg makes contact higher than the fielder’s knee when in a standing position;

The runner goes beyond the base and either makes contact with or alters the play of the fielder;

"Beyond the base” means any part of the offensive Player’s body makes contact with or alters the play of the fielder beyond the base.

The runner slashes or kicks the fielder with either leg;

The runner illegally slides toward or contacts the fielder even if the fielder makes no attempt to throw to complete a play.

PENALTY

With less than two outs, the batter-runner, as well as the interfering runner, shall be declared out and no other runner(s) shall advance.

With two outs, the interfering runner shall be declared out and no other runner(s) shall advance.

If the runner’s slide or collision is flagrant, the runner shall be ejected from the contest.

If the bases are loaded with no outs, a double-play attempt is made, and interference is called, all other runners must return to their original bases.

Hit Batters

If a pitcher hits 4 batters in any one game, the pitcher must be removed on the fourth hit batsman.

Courtesy Runners

Players that will need courtesy runners, must have their Manager notify the opposing Manager prior to the start of the game. If not so notified, the opposing Manager may deny the request. It is always the last batted out who must run for the person needing the courtesy runner. If a Player sustains an injury, an additional courtesy runner may be used. If a batter (designated as needing a courtesy runner) opts to run, or forgets to get a courtesy runner and subsequently runs, he will lose his courtesy runner for the remaining portion of the game. The offensive team that is replacing the courtesy runner has 30 seconds to make the runner change. If the runner is not replaced within this time period, the original runner must run and the right to use the courtesy runner for this particular batter will be forfeited for the balance of the game. The 30 second time limit will begin at the time the umpire calls for time to allow replacement for the runner.

Appendix B: Playoff Tie Breaker Procedures

If two or more teams finish the season in a tie at any place in the Postseason Bracket the following tie breaker process will take place:

Head-to-Head

The head to head (or head to head to head) record determines the winner if one team has an advantage over the other two teams. An example of a three way tie would be as follows:

Team A has a combine record of 5-5 against the other two teams combined.

Team B has a combine record of 4-3 against the other two teams combined.

Team C has a combine record of 6-4 against the other two teams combined.

The tie breaker would go to Team C, followed by Team A and then by Team B

Total Runs

If head to head does not result in a winner, the Total Runs scored for the season will determine the winner.

Coin Flip

If neither a or b determines a winner. The winner will be determined by a coin flip from the Executive Director.

Appendix C: Manager’s Code of Ethics

The function of all Players, Managers, umpires, officials and workers is to abide by only the highest level of sportsmanship and conduct.

The Manager must be aware that he or she has tremendous influence, either good or bad, in the development of the baseball Player, and thus, shall never place the value of winning above instilling the highest desirable ideals of character.

The Manager must constantly uphold the honor and dignity of the game. In all personal contact with the Players, Umpires, Officials, Directors, the media, and the public, the Manager shall strive to set an example of the highest ethical and moral conduct.

Conduct

“Bench Jockeying”

Harassment from the bench during any Official Season and Postseason games will not be allowed. Managers are to prohibit bench jockeying, which would include personal and malicious remarks, cursing and obscene language towards opponents, umpires or spectators.

Harassment

Managers do not engage in sexual harassment, abuse, or any other harassment.

Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco

The Manager shall take an active role in the prevention of drug, alcohol and tobacco abuse and under no circumstances should authorize their use.

Communication

Managers shall not make statements that are false, deceptive, misleading, or fraudulent concerning work activities, personnel and organization affiliations.

Interpretation of Rules and Regulations

Knowledge of Rules

The Manager shall be thoroughly acquainted with GVMABL rules and is responsible for their interpretation to team members.

Mutual Agreements

The intention and letter of rules should be regarded as mutual agreements.

False Interpretation

The Manager shall not try to seek an advantage by circumvention of the intention or letter of the rules.

Ineligible Player(s)

Managers shall not permit ineligible Player(s) to participate, practice or be a part of any team function without first discussing eligibility with a previous Team’s Manager or with the Executive Director, and without securing permission through the proper channels set forth by the Rules and Regulations.

Respect

Players should be taught to respect the dignity of the game, umpires and opponents.

Challenging Umpires

Judgment Calls

Managers should confine their discussion to the rules and not challenge umpire decisions involving judgment.

Contestment of Calls

Contest umpires will be treated with respect and supported by the coach.

Incitement towards Umpires

The Manager shall not indulge in conduct which will incite Players or spectators against the umpires.

Public Criticism

Public criticism of umpires or Players is unethical.

Expectations Towards Umpires

Managers should expect from the umpires a courteous and dignified attitude towards themselves and the Players.

Sportsmanship

Managers shall actively use their influence to enhance sportsmanship by their athletes and spectators. Before and after contests, rival Managers should meet and exchange friendly greetings in order to set the correct tone for the game.

Sponsorships

Managers should develop and promote a spirit of cooperation among the League, including sponsors and any person connected with the program.